Have my bathroom floor all ready for thinset and Hardibacker. I haven't done this before and am not quite sure how to use the thinset and mesh.

First: Do I need to tape and thinset the seams and edges of the subfloor UNDER the hardibacker (as well as on top)?

Second: How exactly do I embed the mesh tape? Do I stick it down first, then trowel thinset over it? If so, do I use the 1/4" notch trowel OVER the mesh tape (seems like it would tend to snag the tape) or...?

Just haven't been able to find any detailed instructions for the mesh tape & thinset.

Dave, you'll find life easier if you taped and mudded the seams as you laid the tile. The reason is that you'll create "speed bumps" with the tape and mud if you do those first and let them dry. This will show up in your tile work. Place the tape over the seam, flat trowel thinset over it to set it in place, then spread and comb out the thinset as usual.

The exception is if you are using a roll-on waterproofing membrane. In that case, you just have to pay attention and reduce the bumps to a minimum when you tape.

One final follow-up before I get started: I forgot to mention that I'll be installing linoleum tiles over the Hardibacker. Does this mean that I should fill the (1/8") expansion joints in the Hardibacker with the linoleum adhesive, rather than with thinset, before taping them?